The Wines of Summer
Story by Valerie López

Higher temperatures, barbecues and cool drinks—namely beer—are synonymous with summer. Can wine fit into that summer equation when it comes to refreshment?

According to many wine experts and aficionados, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Wines may be widely associated with formal dinners and holiday celebrations, but that doesn't mean they should be kept in the cellar until fall. There are plenty of wines that go well with the summer meals while at the same time refreshing guests during the season of sweltering temps.

“Usually, when we think about summer, we think about a lot of things: high temperatures, the beach, the pool… So we have to look for recommendations based on that image of what summer is,” says José Juan Hernández, a certified wine educator for B. Fernández.

The first quality that comes to mind, according to Hernández is that these wines should be refreshing. Most people enjoy outdoor activities, be it poolside or on a terrace, the reason he recommends sparkling wines or even champagne. But the problem with champagne, he adds, is that it tends to be expensive.

“When we talk about champagne, we are usually talking about a budget and how much you can actually pay for one,” he points out.

“So, I would look for refreshing alternatives that would allow me to enjoy the summer and allow me to have enough wine to serve to my guests.”

For sparkling wines, Hernández recommends selections from Chile 's Valdivieso region, Australia , Italy , France and Germany . From Italy , Hernández recommends Prosecco. He also likes the Espumosos from Germany , because they are very refreshing and loaded with lots of fruit flavor, and brands from France , which can be a bargain at around $12. “Any of these are great to get a summer gathering started,” comments Hernández.

When serving hors d'oeuvres, shrimp or fish dishes, Hernández suggests cool white wines. Good alternatives, he says, include Spanish Albariños or Bermejos, Pinot Grigios from Italy or a Torrontes from Argentina . Hernández does not recommend Chardonnays for summer drinking because he says they are heavy.

But what about guests who only drink red wines? For those who are more partial to red wines, Hernández says Pinot Noirs fit the bill perfectly, particularly vintages from California , Oregon and Australia . “When serving red wines in summer, you need to pick very light wines without tannins,” Hernández points out. “They can't be heavy or they'll overwhelm your palate.”

Barbecues are a big part of summer, and when pairing barbecued meats with wines, Hernández says it is important to remember to take into account how well the meat is cooked. To balance well done-meats, pair them with fruity wines. Argentine Malbecs are perfect, he says, particularly the more economic brands, because they have more fruit flavors. However, those who want to pair wine with a more intense flavor cut such as a filet mignon should consider a Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, a Malbec Crianza or Spanish Reserve vintages. These wines, he explains, tend to have bolder flavors and higher alcohol content, two things that are key to achieving a perfect balance between wine and meat.

“Wines that have a higher alcohol content match better with meats that have fewer spices and are jucier,” Hernández explains.

Hernández's recommendations go well with summer menus and tight budgets as well. Most of his wine selections hover around the $15 mark. Feel free to let the wine flow and let your summer party guests eat, drink and truly be merry.

— Joanne Curcio Quiñones